Artists Describing Their Art:

Raphael Perez Israeli Painter - Pride and Prejudice: on Raphael Perez's Artwork Raphael Perez, born in 1965, studied art at the College of Visual Arts in Beer Sheva, and from 1995 has been living and working in his studio in Tel Aviv. Today Perez plays an important role in actively promoting the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual) art and culture in Tel Aviv, and the internet portal he set up helps artists from the community reach large audiences in Israel and abroad. Hundreds of his artworks are part of private collections in Israel and abroad, and his artworks were shown in several group exhibitions: in Tel Aviv Museum of Art, "Zman Le'Omanut" art gallery, Camera Obscura, The Open House in Jerusalem, Ophir Gallery, The Haifa Forum and other private businesses and galleries. In 2003-4 his paintings and studio appeared in a full-length movie, three student films and two graduation films. Raphael Perez is the first Israeli artist to express his lifestyle as a Gay. His life and the life of the LGBT community are connected and unfold over hundreds of artwork pieces. His art creation is rare and extraordinary by every Israeli and international artistic standard. His sources of inspiration ...

Pol Ledent - I am a self-taught artist. I was born in Belgium o, 23rd October 1952. I started painting in 1995 . I took some drawing lessons in the art academy in Dinant. I try to paint the landscapes of the countryside where I am living : the southern part of Belgium. Firts I took part in many collective exhibitions . Than, I had personal exhibitions in Rochehaut (Galerie La Potele), in Dinant (Galerie L'impression), in Paris (Rive Gauche Galerie Artimus) in Brussels (Galerie G-Loft).In 2004, I had three exhibitions, again In Rochehaut, galerie La Potele in May. Then, in September Exhibition Libr'art in Libramont. In November, Galerie Impression in Dinant. What people like most in my paintings are the colours. My art doesn't speak to the intellect but to the soul and to the feelings. Talink the risk to seem old fashioned , I would say it is rather romantic. I wish you much pleasure looking at my paintings. Pol Ledent ...

Temo Svirely - Painting is not conceptual art. When someone looks at one of my paintings and asks me What did you want to say I find myself in a difficult position. That is, I've already said what I wanted to say through the medium of painting. With the help of color, rhythm and so on and to demand that I translate the language of art into the language of words is impossible, to say the least. I am an artist, not a writer , my materials are oil-paints, ink, pencils and so on, and not words. What else can I say Ideas and concepts are far from being the primary concerns of the artist. Enthusiasm for ideas not to be confused with artistic plans or intentions distracts the artist from the wealth of interrelation with the material, which itself dictates to him the right course and rewards with time and patience. Of course it is worth pondering on how to make a work more expressive, but a real artistic moment occurs when a pause arises in between thoughts. I will take the liberty of reminding you that art, a picture, can be understood by a man and influence him deeply, effortlessly ...